Central Queenstown. Photo: 123rf.com
Health providers in Queenstown are offering a one-stop vaccine pop-up in the tourist resort next week.
At the Queenstown Events Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday, people will be able to receive free vaccinations against Covid-19, influenza measles, mumps and rubella, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough, and HPV.
Te Whatu Ora Southern Covid-19 manager Susan Moore said there was an increased risk of serious communicable disease in the community now the borders had reopened.
"Queenstown Lakes District has a high rate of visitor numbers and migrant workers, and with the borders now open there is an increased risk of serious illnesses like measles and Covid-19 circulating in the community," she said.
"Vaccinations are our best defence against severe illness, and the more of us who stay well, the less disruption we will see on our businesses, community and healthcare services.
"This is a free, family-friendly event, but vaccine eligibility criteria does vary by vaccine type, so the vaccination team will be able to check what you are eligible for and discuss options with you."
Run in partnership between Te Whatu Ora, WellSouth, Queenstown Medical Centre, The Doctors Whakatipu, The Village Medical Centre and Mountain Lakes Medical, the pop-up will provide a chance for people to learn about and receive the vaccinations they were eligible for, as well as the chance to enrol with a local GP.
People could check their eligibility in advance at www.southernhealth.nz/Queenstown_vaccination_event
Immunisations for under 5s would not be available but staff could discuss it at the event and a plan made with families which did not have a GP.
The event will be held in the upstairs meeting room at the Queenstown Events Centre, Frankton on 22 November from 2pm to 8pm, and 23 Nov from 8.30am to 2pm.